IFB P2680002, Helicopter Services for Large Mammal Captures (High Elevation)

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is soliciting helicopter services for the capture of large mammals—including deer, bighorn sheep, elk, pronghorn antelope, mountain lion, and wolf—throughout California to fulfill legislative wildlife management mandates. Operations will occur statewide across diverse and remote terrains, ranging from southern deserts in summer to northern mountain ranges in winter, with flights conducted at elevations between 4,000 and 9,000 feet above sea level, and occasionally up to 13,000 feet. Services encompass close pursuit of animals for net gunning or chemical darting, as well as herding into drive nets or corrals, with techniques tailored to species, terrain, season, and study objectives. Contractor operations must comply with FAA Part 135 and Part 133 regulations, NWCG Standards for Helicopter Operations, and California-specific licensing and safety protocols. Aircraft must be turbine-powered Type III helicopters, equipped for external loads, maintained in airworthy condition, and operated by a minimum three-person crew including a pilot, gunner, and animal handler, all trained in “Flying In The Wire and Obstruction Environment.” The contract term runs through June 30, 2029, with potential for a one-year extension, and requires strict adherence to operational, safety, and equipment standards including dual-lock aircraft security, prohibition of smoking near aircraft, and proper hazardous materials handling permits. Bids are evaluated under the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) method, meaning the lowest responsible and responsive bidder meeting all technical requirements will be awarded, with DVBEs receiving a price adjustment preference and small business status considered for preference but not weighted as a formal factor. The fixed-cost components of the contract total $172,776, covering pilot availability, extended availability, per-animal capture costs, and miscellaneous fixed expenses, while all flight hours, ferry miles, and crew per diem are bidder-determined and variable. Bidders must submit a comprehensive package including certifications on small business and DVBE status, California Civil Rights and Iran Contracting Act compliance, aircraft and pilot qualifications, performance history, insurance documentation meeting $1 million per incident general liability with California named as additional insured, and workers’ compensation with waiver of subrogation. All submissions must be in PDF format, received by 4:00 PM Pacific Time on July 1, 2026, via email, mail, hand delivery, or courier to